accepting things as they are

[Steven]

The more resistance, the more suffering.

So just surf the waves, don't oppose them!

I did notice that the more I wished and hoped that things turned out differently, I would literally exhaust myself physically and emotionally. I took the mini-zazen advice that Yugen gave me and it was a huge help today. That and just being mindful of the tasks I was performing at work as opposed to being off in "la-la land" made me even more aware that things are just as they are and I shouldn't dwell on the past or ponder the future so much. It's one thing to recall a fond memory or look forward to an event, but to find yourself 45 minutes later dwelling on a negative event is definitely not what needs to be going on in the mind. Thank you all!

[Jundo]

Such "mini-Zazen" is very powerful, and I find myself Practicing so maybe a few dozen times each day. Even just for a moment or a few seconds.

I wrote about it as part of our "Always Beginners" series ...

Introducing Insta-Zazen! ©

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?7686-Sit-a-Long-with-Jundo-Zazen-for-Beginners-%28Part-XX%29

Gassho, J

[Yugen]

Steven,
I'm so glad the mini-Zazen helped! (Even though I am engaging in copyright infringement) Insta-zazen I mean.....

Now you can try it in all sorts of situations.... kind of like Green Eggs and Ham..... "on a plane, in a boat, on the sea, with a cup of tea...."

Keep it up!

Deep bows
Yugen

[Biko]

I think that being new to practice can be an infinitely difficult time because for the first time we are stopping and taking a hard look into ourselves and that can certainly affect how we interact with the outward world, and not always in a positive way. Our ego-mind fights us at every turn like a rope around our ankles, tripping us and laughing at us. It can be hard to reconcile the cushion with the phenomenal world. I know that at times I have been accused of being a "terrible Buddhist" because people tend to have this idea that we are tree-hugging hippies that speak softly and gush serenity and profound one-liners at every turn. I like to remind them that I am a work in progress and that I am still a baby on this path. Take things one step at a time and when things become overwhelming, break it up into smaller chunks that are easier to process and neutralize. And of course, sit.

Gassho and metta,
Jeffrey

[sittingzen]

The practical application of Zen lies in us confronting each moment, not just being present in the moment but -being- the moment. And that can be so very difficultly sometimes. A tough day at work where nothing goes right, a fight with your partner or a friend, a death.

It can be very scary because we are so conditioned, especially in today's fast paced world to suppress reality: television, music, smartphones, whatever distraction available at our finger tips at that moment.

The purity when we sit allows us to confront these swirling feelings. But as Jundo and Taigu teach us, we observe them from a distance. They are feelings, they come and they go. Some are so pleasant and some not very, both are ok. We just witness, don't get swept up by them, and we continue to sit.

Gassho,

Lu

[Tiwala]

Find support from outside. Friends, family, whatever. Someone who can share in your suffering. They can 'sit' through your suffering with you. There are bodhisattvas all around, just allow them to appear....

Above all, don't be afraid, even of being afraid. Please hold on. I dunno who really are, but I know that you can make it. This sadness, fear, whatever, has happiness in the end.

[Kyotai]

The thoughts will bombard you but keep sitting. Nothing new to add.

Gassho

Shawn

[kidbuda]

Yea! Lovely answers! I´m so glad I practice with you guys! Tough times are very challenging for our practice, I´ve been the last 3 months on tough times myself, insta-zazen works great for me and also works great to tell myself this: "When you get off the zafu...take your zazen mind with you everywhere, as much as you can, without attachment" and that self advice has been really useful.

Gassho

kb

[Myoku]

Steven,
what you dsecribes sound familiar. These nagging thoughts and judgements in my experience calm down as practice continues. But I experienced too times of great calmness and again times of a storm of thoughts, but overall I think it calmed down over the years. I would go so far as to state that what you describe is everyday life for many of not most people. I believe most people feel uncomfortable when not being busy, be it working, sports, talking, watching tv etc etc, just stitting seems impossible for those. In my opinion you have the big advantage that you already found zazen, and that you enjoy sitting and see the "benefit". Thank you for sharing and your practice,
Gassho
Myoku